Old Skool Bus Events Shortlisted for Two Categories at the 2026 Festival Supplier Awards, Celebrating Innovation in UK Festival Catering and Impact on Tourism

Published on December 7, 2025

In a remarkable achievement for the UK catering and events industry, Old Skool Bus Events – Kitchen & Bar has been shortlisted for the prestigious Festival Supplier Awards 2026 in two categories: Best New Product/Service and Best Support Service – Crew Catering. This recognition comes just 18 months after the company relaunched, showcasing its innovative approach to festival catering, particularly in the crew catering sector. The business, known for its distinctive food truck services, has become an essential part of the UK’s festival scene, particularly in renowned events like Glastonbury Festival.

The shortlist announcement has significant implications for the UK’s tourism and festival industry, as it underscores the growing importance of high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive services for festival workers and attendees. As the event industry continues to evolve, Old Skool Bus Events is making waves in the crew catering sector, which often operates behind the scenes but plays a pivotal role in the success of large-scale festivals.

The Rise of Old Skool Bus Events: A New Era for Festival Catering

Old Skool Bus Events began its journey in 2020, initially operating as a small food truck business with a focus on charity projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s humble beginnings quickly gained traction, and in 2023, the business relaunched under its new identity, Old Skool Bus Events – Kitchen & Bar. This relaunch marked the beginning of a new chapter, one in which the company would focus on delivering high-quality catering services for festivals and private events. Over the past year, it has gained significant recognition for its work at high-profile events such as Glastonbury Festival, where it served over 40,000 meals to hardworking crew members.

This recognition by the Festival Supplier Awards 2026 highlights how Old Skool Bus Events has positioned itself as a leader in the crew catering niche. By providing nourishing, sustainable meals for festival staff and artists, the company has set a new standard for event catering that prioritizes health, sustainability, and inclusivity. As the festival sector grows, there is an increasing demand for quality catering services that not only satisfy the needs of the event attendees but also support the well-being of the crew, ensuring that those working behind the scenes have the energy and resources to perform their tasks efficiently.

The Festival Supplier Awards: A Celebration of Excellence

The Festival Supplier Awards are a highly respected event in the UK’s festival industry, celebrating the dedication, creativity, and hard work of suppliers and production teams who help bring major outdoor events to life. The awards ceremony is an opportunity to showcase innovation, quality service, and excellence in the field of event production. In 2026, Old Skool Bus Events will compete for the prestigious Best New Product/Service and Best Support Service – Crew Catering categories, marking a major milestone in the company’s journey.

The Festival Supplier Awards have grown significantly in their eleven-year history, becoming a benchmark for suppliers in the festival and outdoor event industries. The awards ceremony, set to take place on January 29, 2026, at the De Vere Connaught Rooms in London, will bring together industry experts, suppliers, and event organizers to recognize the best practices in event management. The finalists of the awards are judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts, including event directors, production managers, and festival organizers, who evaluate the nominees based on their ability to deliver quality services that meet the needs of the dynamic and fast-paced event environment.

Crew Catering: A Vital Part of Festival Tourism

The role of crew catering in large-scale festivals cannot be overstated. While the focus of many festival-goers is on the performances and entertainment, the success of these events relies heavily on the support services that keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Crew catering ensures that the hardworking individuals— from production teams to volunteers—are well-fed, energized, and able to perform their tasks efficiently. This is where Old Skool Bus Events has excelled, particularly at events like Glastonbury Festival, where the company was the first crew caterer to arrive on-site at Worthy Farm and the last to leave, providing over 40,000 meals during the festival’s 56-day duration.

The crew catering sector is crucial not only for the functioning of large festivals but also for the overall experience of the attendees. By providing high-quality, nourishing meals, the company helps ensure that the event operates seamlessly and efficiently. This, in turn, positively impacts the overall tourism experience, as well-fed and happy staff contribute to a positive atmosphere and high-quality performances.

As UK festivals continue to grow in popularity, the crew catering industry will be expected to meet rising standards for sustainability, health-conscious menus, and inclusive practices. The recognition of Old Skool Bus Events in the Festival Supplier Awards is a reflection of these shifting demands, as more festivals recognize the importance of providing sustainable food options that cater to diverse dietary needs.

The Impact on UK Tourism and the Event Sector

The success of Old Skool Bus Events is part of a larger trend in the UK’s tourism and event industry, where catering services are increasingly seen as an integral part of the overall festival experience. As the country’s festival scene continues to attract international tourists, the demand for high-quality catering services has surged. Cultural tourism, particularly through festivals, has become a significant economic driver in the UK, with major festivals like Glastonbury, Boomtown, and The Great Escape drawing visitors from all over the world. As more festivals adopt sustainable, health-conscious catering services, businesses like Old Skool Bus Events are positioning themselves as leaders in a sector that is crucial to the success of these events.

The increasing recognition of Old Skool Bus Events within the festival catering industry also speaks to the broader trends shaping UK tourism. As the country diversifies its tourism offerings to include more cultural events and artistic experiences, catering services are playing an increasingly important role in attracting visitors. The success of the Old Skool Bus brand demonstrates that food and service quality are key factors that contribute to the overall festival experience and the growing appeal of the UK’s festival scene to tourists.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Health

Old Skool Bus Events’ commitment to sustainability and health-conscious catering is another key reason for its success. Director Kate Packham has gone above and beyond in creating sustainable, nourishing menus that cater to the diverse needs of festival crews, artists, and attendees. In 2025, she completed her Nutrition & Health Coaching qualification to further enhance her understanding of how to create nutritious meals that fuel individuals working long hours at festivals. The company’s focus on sustainable sourcing and environmentally friendly practices sets it apart in an industry that is increasingly prioritizing eco-conscious initiatives.

Conclusion: Setting New Standards for Festival Catering

The recognition of Old Skool Bus Events at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026 highlights the growing importance of innovative catering services within the festival industry. As the company continues to redefine crew catering through its focus on sustainability, health, and inclusive practices, it sets new standards for what festival-goers and workers can expect in terms of food quality and service. This recognition not only celebrates the company’s success but also signals a shift towards a more responsible, health-conscious, and sustainable festival industry.

With festivals continuing to play a vital role in the UK’s tourism economy, the impact of companies like Old Skool Bus Events will extend far beyond catering. The company’s commitment to improving the festival experience through high-quality food and excellent service contributes to the broader growth of cultural tourism, making the UK an even more attractive destination for travelers seeking both cultural engagement and sustainability.